Jon Taylor noted while a successful censure carries no legal penalties, it’s important to look out for potential impacts on future mayoral-council relations.
SAN ANTONIO — On Monday, the San Antonio City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the potential censure of Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, citing alleged unprofessional interactions over the past several months.
Five city council members submitted a memo on Feb. 9 noting there have been “repeated instances of unprofessional conduct” by Jones in her dealings with fellow council members, city staff and residents.
The council members include Phyllis Viagran (D3), Teri Castillo (D5), Marina Alderete Gavito (D7), Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (D8) and Misty Spears (D9).
The memo references a formal complaint filed by District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur following a confrontation earlier this month that has triggered a code of conduct investigation.
Mayor Jones acknowledged in a statement that disagreements have occurred with colleagues. She described her leadership style as grounded in her lived experience and expressed a desire to continue working collaboratively to improve the city.
“It’s not like the mayor is going to face some sort of legal penalty because of censure, it’s more of a case of a sentiment,” said UT San Antonio political science professor Jon Taylor.
A censure, if adopted, would not remove Jones from office or strip her of her voting rights, but would serve as a formal rebuke that could have political ramifications. Unlike disciplinary actions with legal force, a censure is largely symbolic.
“The real issue is what it means in terms of political capital, what it means in terms of her relationship with the city council going forward,” Taylor said. “Those are the things where a censure vote, in particular if it’s a successful censure vote, how that could impact mayoral-council relations in the future.”
A special City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, where members will discuss the potential censure behind closed doors. Officials have stressed that no formal action will be taken during that session.